Gym operators hope facilities can reopen soon

A worker showing how disinfection is carried out in Solid Gym, Sibu.

GYM operators in Sibu are feeling the pinch from the two-month closure and appealing for the state government to let them reopen.

Solid Gym proprietor Lau Kah Yii said many in the sector would probably not survive if they had to remain shuttered for much longer.

“The government should consider allowing us to reopen as I don’t think many Covid-19 cases are linked to gyms,” he said.

He noted that following the closure of gyms here since April 22, Covid-19 cases still continued to rise.

“This shows that gyms did not contribute to the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

Lau pointed out that festive celebrations and social events had been cited as the main reasons for the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Sarawak Housing and Local Government Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee had said earlier that the spike in cases was due to festivals such as Hari Gawai.

“Two months have passed and we still have no clue when gyms will be permitted to reopen.

“We hope it will happen on June 29,” said Lau.

He also appealed to the government for help in subsidising gym operators’ rental of premises.